Illinois Sportsbooks: Best Betting Sites, Apps & IL State Guide for 2024

If you reside in Illinois and are interested in sports betting, then this article was designed especially for you. Whether it be retail or online, Illinois sports betting is completely legal and legit at the proper destinations, and you can take advantage of all its glory after reading through our Prairie State sports betting guide.

Below, we cover where, how and what it takes to legally bet in Illinois, the best sign-up bonuses on offer from the top Illinois sportsbooks, complete details on Illinois betting legislation, such as sports betting taxes in Illinois, a little bit of coverage on your favorite Chicago sports teams and any relevant history to betting in the state.

Whether you are a new or experienced bettor in the state, keep reading here to explore all the fine print that will leave you fully informed. However, if you want to start your sports betting journey at any point, click one of the links or banners in this article to get started with a sign-up bonus from any of the Illinois betting sites.

📱 Top 5 Illinois Betting Apps

Presented in a concise table, here are the crucial details about the top five online Illinois sports betting apps. Discover the leading Illinois sportsbooks, their latest welcome promotions and an overall rating, which we will explain in detail later in the article.

🏦 Best Illinois Online Sportsbooks 2024

💻 Best Illinois Sports Betting Sites: Where to Bet in Illinois

Nothing against the other options, but sports betting in Illinois really begins and ends with our picks for the top five Illinois sportsbooks. Our choices are carefully molded by investigating a variety of criteria that starts with the type of welcome bonus and ongoing promotions offered, but they also need to be one of the best Illinois sports betting apps.

From there, we look at facets of the user experience, banking and security, payout speeds, sports and market variety and the quality of odds and lines. So, without further ado, let’s dive into the top five Illinois betting sites.

#1 DraftKings Sportsbook

It’s very close to the pinnacle of the Illinois online sports betting scene as DraftKings and FanDuel have been battling for supremacy since their early days as strictly daily fantasy sports sites. We give DraftKings the award as the best sports betting app in Illinois because it is a bit more slick, stylish and easy to navigate. We also enjoy DraftKings for their exceptional daily odds boosts, Same Game Parlay insurance bonuses and bonus bet opportunities for straight bets.

Not to mention, DraftKings is the official betting partner of the Chicago Cubs, and they just opened a sportsbook attached to Wrigley Field, although they will only be operating as a bar and restaurant until late 2023.

🎁 DraftKings Welcome Offer

The exquisite DraftKings journey of course begins with something lovely. They’re  providing all new customers with an exclusive $150 welcome offer, and there isn’t even a DraftKings promo code required when you join through any link or banner in this article. You can read on for more details about this new DraftKings $150 bonus or sign up here to get started immediately. You can wager on any local team whether that be on the Cubs or White Sox in the summer, Bears in the fall or Bulls or Blackhawks in the winter.

As long as you deposit $5+ after creating a new account, you can place your qualifying bet on anything.

Just be sure that you wager at least $5, and it invites an instant $150 across six $25 bet credits. That means that if it unfortunately loses, you still receive the bankroll boost of $150 in bonuses.

That’s over a $150 in guaranteed value, and all it takes is for you to click here to claim it. And, because this profit is instantly credited, you can place a futures bet on the likes of new-look Chicago Bears or DeMar DeRozan way down the line and still benefit immediately. You won’t even need a DraftKings promo code when you sign up for a new account through one of our links.

Why You Should Bet With DraftKings

I thoroughly enjoy sports betting in Illinois with DraftKings because the mobile app is extremely simple and quick to get used to. I naturally come back to this app more so than any other because it feels the most comfortable and lived in. There is always some sort of ongoing promotion on tap for my Cubs and White Sox betting, NFL Same Game Parlay builds for the Bears are so fun and easy to make because the vast prop markets are super easy to browse, so piecing together your ideal play is a breeze.

Most importantly, I love that DraftKings is quick on the draw to release odds and lines for upcoming events. When I was new to DK, I loved the guaranteed $150 bonus that let me understand how to apply a bonus bet and explore the app. You can be happy with DraftKings, like me, when you click here to sign up and download one of the best Illinois sports betting apps.

If you want more information, be sure to check out our full DraftKings Sportsbook Review.

• Welcome Bonus: Bet $5, Get $150 Instantly in Bonus Bets
• Legal in Illinois from: June 18, 2020
• Available Platforms: Desktop / iOS / Android
• Payout Speed: 2 days (PayPal) - 10 days (Check by Mail)
• Best Feature: Daily Odds Boosts for existing customers to be used on any sport/market including Parlays
• Our Rating: 5/5

#2 FanDuel Sportsbook

FanDuel Sportsbook comes in as a close second to DraftKings for being the best sports betting app in Illinois. As the initiator of the Same Game Parlay in the US, FanDuel gets its kicks from innovating and introducing popular bet types and markets. FanDuel can afford to test and try new things because they already offer everything a sports bettor could want or need.

🎁 FanDuel Welcome Offer

The FanDuel welcome bonus gives new users $200 in bonus bets. In other words, FanDuel offers a $200 sign-up bonus for new members that deposit $10+ and risk $5+ on any pick. If you win, you'll receive $200 worth of bonus bets.

New users can sign up here for a new account, make a deposit of at least $10 and then bet at least $5 on any team to unlock the bonus. By using our link to register for a new account, the FanDuel promo code will be automatically applied. There is no code you will need to enter.

Why You Should Bet With FanDuel

While DraftKings odds are consistent across the seasons and the sports they offer, I love betting with FanDuel and checking their app because they are dedicated to setting the most competitive odds and lines for every matchup. Not only do they ensure they release quality marks from the outset, but they also are meticulous about constant odds and line changes to keep up with any breaking news related to a given event.

FanDuel also seems to offer more bet types and props than just about anywhere else, but if you want to see more for yourself, be sure to check out the FanDuel Sportsbook Review.

• Welcome Bonus: Earn $200 Worth of Bonus Bets After Placing a Winning $5 Wager
• Legal in Illinois from: March 2020
• Available Platforms: Desktop / iOS / Android
• Payout Speed: 1 hour - 5 business days
• Best Feature: Same Game Parlay and Unique Betting Markets for Major Events
• Our Rating: 4.9/5

#3 Caesars Sportsbook

Illinois betting would not be in the wonderful spot it's currently in without Caesars Sportsbook. Caesars helps FanDuel, DraftKings and others maintain constant upkeep and improvement. New users at Caesars can experience unparalleled 24/7 customer service, an inviting and inspired loyalty rewards program and a tremendous platter of futures and off-season betting options for your sports of choice.

🎁 Caesars Welcome Offer

In terms of pure value, no other major legal sports betting Illinois platform can match what Caesars dishes to their new customers. Their welcome offer differs from the first two, but has $1,000 up for grabs.

When you create a new account with Caesars, and, if prompted, enter the Caesars promo code FNEG1000, deposit at least $10 and then bet at least $10 and up to $1,000. If it loses, Caesars will provide a full refund in the form of bonus bets.

Why You Should Bet With Caesars

Caesars completes my Illinois sports betting experience thanks to their rewards system. By leveling up through a tier system, the more you bet, the bigger the prizes you can enjoy. This keeps me coming back, as the potential for more bonuses and higher max payouts breathe life into the experience.

I also love futures betting and off-season markets of any kind relating to the Bears, Bulls, Blackhawks, Cubs and White Sox, so when I place this bet type, I do it at Caesars. Of course, if you want to go “Full Caesar,” be sure to check out this complete Caesars Sportsbook Review.

• Welcome Bonus: $1,000 in First-Bet Insurance
• Legal in Illinois from: August 2021
• Available Platforms: Desktop / iOS / Android
• Payout Speed: 24 hours - 5 business days
• Best Feature: Tier Rewards Program Giving You Constant Bonuses
• Our Rating: 4.9/5

#4 BetMGM Sportsbook

BetMGM Sportsbook is proclaimed “The King of Sportsbooks,” and they certainly are fit for a crown for legal sports betting in Illinois. BetMGM’s longevity and reputable brand are enough to keep them at the top, but they don’t rest on their laurels. Instead, BetMGM continues to innovate, expand and improve in areas to keep up with the times and keep their customers entertained.

With an exceptional marketing team and a deep catalog of sports betting options in Illinois, bettors can keep their finger on the pulse of just about any sport and market that comes to mind.

🎁 BetMGM Welcome Offer

The BetMGM welcome offer keeps pace with the two previous offers detailed, and it provides the same value as the DraftKings welcome bonus. But why not collect all of these bonuses and become an active user at each of these top IL sportsbooks? 

New users at BetMGM don't need to use any BetMGM promo codes to become eligible for $150 in bonus bets. Just register an account here, deposit a minimum of $10 and place a first real-money bet of $5+. Then, win or lose, you'll receive $150 in bonus bets.

🎁 Why You Should Bet With BetMGM

I don’t need to sell BetMGM more than I already have, just let spokesman Jaime Foxx do that for you. But in all seriousness, BetMGM is a reliable name with some of the most competitive odds and lines out there. If BetMGM doesn’t have what you are looking for, then it’s probably not worth betting.

You can find anything your heart desires at the best prices on BetMGM. If you need more info, be sure to examine the BetMGM Sportsbook Review.

• Welcome Bonus: Bet $5, Win $150 in Bonus Bets
• Legal in Illinois from: January 2022
• Available Platforms: Desktop / iOS / Android
• Payout Speed: 24 hours - 4 business days
• Best Feature: Daily Odds Boosts & Event Promotions
• Our Rating: 4.8/5

#5 BetRivers Sportsbook

Not to be outdone by the previous platforms we’ve detailed, BetRivers Sportsbook is dedicated to serving users in the Prairie State. They may not be as well-known as the other destinations, but BetRivers still provides one of the most solid Illinois betting options for several reasons. Between their competitive odds, sweet welcome offer and a multitude of different markets, BetRivers leaves its customers feeling fulfilled.

🎁 BetRivers Welcome Offer

Speaking of their sign-up bonus, there’s never been a better time to claim the BetRivers new-user promo. By becoming a new member here, no promo code is required. You’ll just have to deposit $10+ to be eligible for the bonus. Your first cash wager will be protected by bet insurance should it lose up to a maximum of $500. So, you’ll either be able to get a big win or have a bonus bet of equal value returned to your account.

Why You Should Bet With BetRivers

BetRivers is a prime option for anyone looking to enjoy one of the best Illinois sports betting apps. I enjoy how they tend to have my hometown Chicago teams priced more favorably than competitors. This allows me to maximize the value I’m getting from my wagers, while still betting on all my squads. For more information, check out the BetRivers Sportsbook Review.

• Welcome Bonus: $500 Second Chance Bet
• Legal in Illinois from: June 2020
• Available Platforms: Desktop / iOS / Android
• Payout Speed: 24 hours - 5 business days
• Best Feature: Wide Variety of Markets for Illinois-Based Teams
• Our Rating: 4.7/5

✍🏼 How to Sign Up With an Online Sportsbook in Illinois

Commence your betting journey at any of Illinois betting apps of your choice by following this general sign-up guide:

1. Select your sportsbook and sign up for a new account using any of the links in this article.
2. Tackle the account registration process with essential details like your name, email, birthdate and phone number.
3. Protect your account with a unique username and password.
4. Deposit funds using your favored payment method. Enjoy hassle-free transactions tailored to your convenience.
5. Claim the available welcome bonuses, ensuring you maximize your betting potential from the get-go.
6. Explore a vast array of sports markets at any of the legal Illinois sportsbooks.
7. With your deposited funds, seize the opportunity to place bets that align with your winning strategies.

🤳🏽 How to Bet on Sports Online in Illinois

Unlock the world of Illinois sports betting apps with this personalized guide:

1. Register and download one of the Illinois betting apps, provide the necessary personal details and create unique login credentials.
2. Easily deposit funds into your account using credit/debit cards, e-wallets or bank transfers.
3. Explore the various sports and markets, familiarizing yourself with various market types.
4. Choose the game or match you wish to bet on, select your preferred bet type and enter your desired wager amount.
5. Double-check your selection and wager amount before confirming the bet.
6. Sit back, enjoy the event and anticipate a victorious outcome.

📋 Illinois Betting Overview 

⚖️ Is Sports Betting Legal in Illinois?

Yes. Legal sports betting in Illinois has been available since June 2019. Illinois online sports betting did not go live until June 2020, when BetRivers launched the first online site in the state.

📖 When Did Sports Betting Become Legal in Illinois?

When the U.S. Supreme Court ruled to overturn the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act back in 2018, this allowed each state the autonomy to govern its own policies over sports betting. Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker followed with the signing of a bill to legalize Illinois sports betting.

Rivers Casino opened the first retail spot in March 2020, while BetRivers kicked off Illinois online sports betting with the state's first site in June 2020. Today, there are seven online IL sportsbooks, each with a sports betting app for iOS and Android devices. Six of these online platforms also have physical locations, totaling 14 in the state. These sportsbooks are monitored and regulated by the Illinois Gaming Board.

Can You Bet on Sports in Person in Illinois?

Yes. Legal sports betting in Illinois can be done at 14 different brick-and-mortar locations across four different Illinois sportsbooks: FanDuel, DraftKings, BetRivers and Caesars.

Illinois Retail Sportsbook Locations

If you want to place your bets in person at any of the physical sportsbooks, check a few of the legal Illinois sports betting destinations below:

• Caesars - Grand Victoria Casino
• 250 S Grove Ave, Elgin, IL 60120
• FanDuel - Fairmount Park
• 9301 Collinsville Rd, Collinsville, IL 62234
• DraftKings - Casino Queen
• 200 S Front St, East St Louis, IL 62201
• BetRivers - Rivers Casino
• 3000 S River Rd, Des Plaines, IL 60018

📖 Timeline of Illinois Betting Legislation: How Did Betting Become Legal?

• June 26, 2018: The Supreme Court of the United States overturns the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA), allowing states to legalize sports betting.
• March 2019: Neil Bluhm, Rivers Casino owner, wages war to keep FanDuel and DraftKings out of the state.
• June 28, 2019: IL lawmakers initiate a compromise between the two parties, allowing online-only operators to enter the market after 18 months. Illinois' online and in-person sports betting was approved by state lawmakers and signed into law by the Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker.
• December 2019: IL begins the sports betting license application process.
• March 2020: Rivers Casino took the first in-person sports bet.
• June 2020: BetRivers launches first online sports betting site in Illinois. Pritzker suspends in-person registration requirements due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
• August 2020: DraftKings Sportsbook goes live, in partnership with Casino Queen.
• 2021: Pritzker signs legislation to end in-person registration on March 5, 2022. This sports betting bill allows pre-game wagering on college games involving in-state teams, but only at in-person Illinois sportsbooks and not online.
• March 5, 2022: In-person sports betting registration to end, allowing for remote registration.
• May 9, 2022: The Illinois Gaming Board announces a record $971.278 million handle for March - the first month for online betting registration in the state.

Sports Betting Taxes in Illinois

Do I Have to Pay Taxes on Sports Betting in Illinois?

Yes. You must pay legal sports betting taxes in Illinois through the Illinois Income Tax for winnings from Illinois sports betting apps.

How to Report Taxes When Betting on Sports in Illinois

You report your winnings as taxable income to the IRS. You should record and keep track of gambling records for your legal sports betting taxes in Illinois.

Illinois Sports Betting Tax Rate

For both retail and Illinois online sports betting, the tax rate is 15%.

Illinois Sports Teams to Bet on

Considering Illinois is the fifth most populated state in the country and Chicago is the third biggest city in the country, Illinois does quite well pushing its iconic sports brands to the public, especially those who reside in the state and have generational die-hard fandom. Whether you are into football, basketball, baseball, hockey or soccer, Chicago has a major professional sports team for you to bet on in Illinois. Let’s now dive into each of Chicago’s coveted pro teams.

🏈 Chicago Bears Betting

The Chicago Bears, an NFL team based in the heart of the city, play their home games on Chicago’s lakefront at Soldier Field, and they are best known for their 1985 Super Bowl victory, led by Walter Payton on the field, head coach Mike Ditka on the sidelines and complemented by the timeless Super Bowl Shuffle. While their 2007 Super Bowl loss to the Colts stands out as their biggest mark of success in the 21st century, their current rebuild has them on the precipice of something magical.

A new franchise quarterback could be added in the 2024 NFL Draft, and the rest of the roster is starting to take shape around him. With the rebirth of a dynasty knocking on the door, wagering on Bears futures bets makes for a compelling experience heading into 2024-25.

🏀 Chicago Bulls Betting

The Chicago Bulls, an NBA team based in the southwest portion of the city, have a storied history. Gone is the golden era of the 1990s when Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls claimed six championships in one of the most dominant runs in sports history but born from that era are passionate fans that will last many lifetimes.

The Bulls have been persistent about putting a winning product on the floor, even if it's at the cost of becoming a real championship contender. The United Center fills up for their games, and star players like DeMar DeRozan and Zach Lavine give this team a chance to beat anyone on any night. The Bulls are just a few pieces and draft picks away from being a true contender, so start placing your futures now.

⚾️ Chicago Cubs Betting

The Northsiders claim their lovable Chicago Cubs of the MLB, who play their home games at the iconic landmark that is Wrigley Field. While they are most well known for their 116-year World Series drought, they have the most recent major Chicago championship, which capped off their magical 2016 run led by Anthony Rizzo, Kris Bryant, Jake Arrietta, Javier Baez and Jon Lester.

Nowadays, the Cubs are still competitive and are battling a tightly contested NL Central division. Check out divisional games down the stretch and consider taking the Cubs' ML.

⚾️ Chicago White Sox Betting

The Cubs may own the Illinois sports betting scene on the North Side of Chicago, but the White Sox own the South Side. The White Sox won their most recent World Series back in 2005. Recent White Sox legends include Frank Thomas, Paul Konerko, Mark Buehrle and Robin Ventura.

When betting on the White Sox in Illinois right now, popular lines include home run props on the likes of All-Star Luis Robert Jr., Eloy Jimenez and many other sluggers. In a hitter’s park, Yes Run First Inning (YRFI) bets always bring excitement as well.

🏒 Chicago Blackhawks Betting

The Blackhawks have been the best thing to happen to Chicago sports and sports bettors in Illinois since the Bulls run in the 1990s. The Blackhawks launched their own ridiculous tear, bringing home the Stanley Cup in 2010, 2013 and 2015 to match their previous three titles which had all come before 1962. Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews, Bobby Hull and Stan Mikita stand out as Blackhawk legends.

When betting on the Blackhawks, or any other NHL team for that matter, consider wagering on anytime goalscorer props. With #1 draft pick Connor Bedard now in the mix, his player props are a hot topic.

FAQs

❓ What is the Best Betting Site in Illinois?

The best sports betting app in Illinois is DraftKings Sportsbook, which also boasts a top-tier betting site.

❓ What is the Most Popular Online Betting Site in Illinois?

The most popular online betting site in Illinois is BetRivers Sportsbook, as it was one of the first sportsbooks in the state.

❓ Which Sportsbook in Illinois has the Most Users?

FanDuel Sportsbook has the most users in Illinois.

❓ Which Sports Betting Site in Illinois has the Fastest Payout?

All the Illinois betting sites in this article have extremely fast payouts, but Caesars Sportsbook takes the crown.

❓ How Old Do You Need to Be to Bet on Sports in Illinois?

You must be 21 years of age to wager on sports in Illinois.

❓ Can You Bet on College Sports in Illinois?

Yes, you can bet on every college team when betting at a physical retail sportsbook. However, when betting mobile in Illinois, you cannot wager on in-state colleges such as Northwestern, University of Illinois and DePaul.

❓ Can You Play Fantasy Sports in Illinois?

Yes, you can play Daily Fantasy Sports in Illinois, including daily fantasy (DFS) on DraftKings and FanDuel.

Enjoyed this article? Further enhance your betting experience with our guides, handpicked for you:

• Best Sportsbook Promo Codes
• Best Sports Betting Sites
• Best Sports Betting Apps

If you or a loved one has questions or needs to talk to a professional about gambling, call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit 1800gambler.net for more information.

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